- The problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
- The risk
- If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
Vehicle safety record
1996 Mazda 626 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 362 complaints about the 1996 Mazda 626 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (240) and the airbags (49). Those complaints describe 35 crashes, 2 fires, 138 injuries and 99 deaths. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in October 2015 for the switch. For comparison, the 1995 has 493 and the 1997 has 360.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 626 year, for its age
#16 most complained-about 1996 vehicle
- Complaints
- 362
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 35
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 138
- Deaths
- 99
Most common 1996 Mazda 626 problems
Share of all 362 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1996 Mazda 626 recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Certain spx filtran fuel filters with a 45-degree angle inlet tube, model 800f350-s1, sold as replacement filters for 1993-1997 ford probe,1993-2001 mazda 626 and mx-6, and 1983-1994 loyal, 3-door coupe, hatchback, sedan, wagon, brat, dl, gl, gl-10, rx, xt, and xt6 passenger vehicles with efi or turbo engines. These filters are packaged as wix, napa, and carquest brand fuel filters. Certain spx filtran fuel filters with a 90-degree angle inlet tube, model 800f300-s2, sold as replacement filters for 19983-1994 subaru vehicles with efi or turbo engines. These filters are packaged as wix, napa, and carquest brand fuel filters. Fuel may leak from the filter due to non-conforming brazing welds where the inlet tube is connected to the filter can.
- The risk
- In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
- The fix
- Spx will notify its customers and provide a full refund. The recall began september 27, 2005. Owners may contact mr. Chris greeson at 704-869-3733 or contact the wix information hotline at 800-949-6698.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the sas sensor unit. These vehicles can experience air bag deployments in minor undercarriage impacts.
- The risk
- Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will reprogram the sas unit to reduce the probability of unnecessary deployments in low speed undercarriage impacts.
What owners say
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362 complaints about the 1996 Mazda 626
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 15.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mazda 626. While driving, the check engine sensor light suddenly illuminated and the instrument panel lights would not illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition switch wire harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. The wire harness was replaced. Approximately six months later, the vehicle experienced the same failure. While operating the vehicle, the engine head gasket malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mazda 626. The contact stated that there was a progressing electrical failure and unknown warning lights remained illuminated on the instrument panel. The vent controls failed to work for the air conditioner and heater. The vehicle was taken to four different independent repair shops and they were not able to replicate and diagnose the failure. The contact later received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v674000 (electrical system). The dealer was unable to provide a reasonable...
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time frame to receive the parts from the manufacturer. The contact called the dealer for months and was unable to determine when the vehicle would be repaired. The vin was invalid. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 05/10/16*lj
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mazda 626. After placing the key in the ignition and starting the vehicle, the contact noticed a fuel odor under the hood of the vehicle. The contact turned the vehicle off for a while and proceeded to turn the vehicle back on with the front driver and passenger side windows rolled down. The contact could no longer smell the fuel odor and a warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v674000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mazda 626. After refueling the vehicle, a strong odor of fuel emitted outside of the vehicle. There was no fuel visible on the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that the top of the fuel tank exhibited a three inch crack. The mechanic would need to find a new fuel tank for the replacement. In addition, the engine air intake valve and radiator were faulty. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.
Three inch crack in top of rule tank ,seat belts broke and slow to role back up and plastic parts used in door opening mechanism broke. *Tr
I smelled gas whenever I would get gas for the car or speed up the car. So I took the car to my mechanic and he said it was some sort of a problem with the gas tank. I need to know what it is. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mazda 626. The contact stated that while the shifter was in the park position and powered on, the vehicle suddenly experienced an unintended acceleration and crashed into a brick pillar. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained an injured back that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 213,365.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mazda 626. The contact stated that while reversing from a driveway, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was stated the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. *Tr
1996 Mazda 626 o/d light flashing and transmission not shifting. *Tr
Airbags deployed in my 1996 mazda 626. Without any reason, while driving. Causing scrapes and bruising, and the windshield to crack. *Tr
Hi I have a 1996 mazda 626 lx and the o/d light just went off at 167,000 miles. I read several forums online and they all said its most likely a an electrical problem in the transmission. This can be very dangerous to us drivers as well as drivers next to us on the road. I advice to please have mazda recall all models with this problem and reimburse us or fix our transmissions at no cost. Thank you very much for reading my post. *Tr
Hi I have a 1996 mazda 626 lx and the o/d light just went off at 176,000 miles. I read several forums online and they all said its most likely a an electrical problem in the transmission. This can b very dangerous to us drivers as well as drivers next to us on the road. I advice to please have mazda recall all models with this problem and reimburse us or fix our transmissions at no cost. Thank you very much for reading my post. *Tr
The automatic transmission in my 1996 mazda 626 failed. As I did research I found that the transmission had failed once before with a previous owner. Further research has shown me that the "cd4e" transmission in my car is a "known" defective part among owners of this particular car. I only had enough money to have it replaced with a used transmission that was the same "cd4e" and can only hope that this one will hold up for awhile. The total cost was about $1200 and I still have the old transmission just in...
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case I need to have it rebuilt. This particular transmission is very hard to find due to its unreliability, meaning they are in great demand because they fail frequently. Thank you for your time. *Tr
SECOND TIME AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED!!! *TR
The o/d off light on vehicle flashes. I now understand that this is a common problem that is known to mazda. Mazda should take responsibility and recall the transmission in these vehicles. This vehicle is used by my kids for transportation to and from school. They are at risk. *Tr
MAZDA 626 1996, OD-OFF BLINKING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. *TR
TRANSMISSION SEAL LEAKING. *TR
Transmission failed on 1996 mazda 626. Replaced with used transmission that also failed within 3 months. *Tr
I purchased my 626 in 2003. I wish I would have done research beforehand. I installed a transmission oil cooler the same week. I'm also religious about changing the fluid. I only drive in town, less than 10 miles per day. My o/d light started blinking as I was driving at 25 mph. I stopped at a light to make a turn and my car would not drive. The transmission would not allow the car to move forward. I shut the car off hoping that when I started it again that it would go. Thankfully it went this time and I...
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made it home. The light has blinked before but always turned off, now its on steadily. I have been feeling the transmission slipping very frequently over the past few months. With all the problems, why is there not a recall? *Tr
The transmission on my 96 mazda 626 just started acting up one day it will work fine until it warms up then it starts slipping badly eventually acting like its in neutral. I haven't done anything but changed the fluid yet but im sure ill have to. The person I bought the car from had the same problem and he had it rebuilt now its doing it again. I googled my problem and it seems like its very common. Thank you william ehorn. *Tr
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS IN 1996 MAZDA 626 . *TR
I have a 96 mazda 626 that is having constant problems with the transmission. I had it checked out and am being told that it was the catalytic converter that would cost well over $400 because I needed the mazda branded one from a dealership. Also the transmission switch is faulty. Which the guy I had looking at the car, had no idea what that was and had never heard of it. When you start driving it's fine then about 15 minutes in to it starts jumping like as if I am pressing on the gas to go 50 from 15. It has...
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done this on several occasions and every time I try to fix it something else comes up. I was told by another person that the transmission is failing and that mazda 626's have a faulty transmission from years 95-00. *Tr
Over drive light keeps blinking, replaced transmission two time and car o/d light still blinks, transmission about to go out again!!!! *Tr
On my 1996 my mazda 626 I was driving on the highway and my overdrive light started flashing. I researched the problem online and there was thousands of the same complaint I think is was a over drive solenoid or a sensor that control gear shifting. Apparently this happens to alot of mazda 626's and I think mazda need to be held accountable for this problem. *Tr
I bought a 1996 mazda 626 lx at approximately 82,000 miles the automatic transmission failed. I had rebuilt and now it is failing again. I cannot afford to keep fixing this problem that should have never been a problem to start with. The car has been well maintained under normal driving. I understand things will wear out but I have never had this problem with another car. I look on the internet for answers and find there are alot of people with the same complaint. Mazda needs to offer some responsibility to this. People work hard for their money. No one can afford to keep fixing this problem. Mazda should have never put a ford transmission in this car that couldn't last. *Tr
Mazda 626: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 217 | 2 | F |
| 1999 | 320 | 4 | F |
| 1998 | 434 | 6 | F |
| 1997 | 360 | 4 | F |
| 1996 | 362 | 3 | F |
| 1995 | 493 | 4 | F |
| 1994 | 287 | 4 | F |
| 1993 | 127 | 2 | F |
| 1992 | 19 | 1 | B |
1996 Mazda 626 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 Mazda 626 | 362 | 3 | F | |
| 1996 Mazda Protege | 73 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1996 Mazda B-Series | 58 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 29 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1996 Mazda MPV | 21 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 1996 Mazda Millenia | 18 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1996 Mazda MX-6 | 15 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 1996 Mazda Miata | 3 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1996 Mazda MX-3 | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1996 Mazda 626
Does the 1996 Mazda 626 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1996 Mazda 626: switch (October 2015); fuel system, gasoline (October 2005); sensor / control module-inactive (October 1998). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Mazda 626?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (240), airbags (49), engine & cooling (33).
How many complaints has the 1996 Mazda 626 had?
362 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 12, 1996 and the latest on June 21, 2016. Of these, 35 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 138 injuries and 99 deaths.
Is the 1996 Mazda 626 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 1 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Mazda 626 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Mazda 626 years have the most complaints?
1995 (493), 1998 (434), 1996 (362). See every Mazda 626 year compared.
What should I do if my 1996 Mazda 626 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data